I'm running the Great North Run for the second time, this time in the company of my great friend Will Dyson.

You may have heard that in August I had a flare-up of my Crohn's Disease. Having run the York 10K on 4 August I'm hopeful that I won't have any problems with the half-marathon in Newcastle on 15 September.

This makes running for Crohn's and Colitis even more relevant for me this year.

And though all is fine at the moment it is just possible I may not be well enough on the day. Your donations will still go to what is a brilliant charity that has supported me and my family over the 30 years since I was diagnosed.

Thanks for giving.

NB You can also donate by text: text NTVP88 and the amount (£1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10) to 70070. Texts are free from all networks.